“Seven is a little above average and a safe estimate.”
“You’ve never struck me as the sort who goes for safe.” He hadn’t imbued the comment with subtext, but Noelle’s eyes narrowed.
“I have Marc to think about now. I can’t jump into something if there seems to be some inherent risk involved.” Although her tone was mild enough, tension formed little lines around her mouth.
“I understand.” But Christian wasn’t sure he did.
“Do you? Because doing what’s best for him is my top priority.”
Somehow they’d strayed from discussing business, and Christian had no idea what she was trying to tell him. “I understand.” Repeating the words didn’t have the effect he’d hoped.
Noelle grew even more agitated. “I know I’ve been hard on you. And I’ve been selfish.”
Since it was obvious she had something to get off her chest, Christian kept his mouth shut and let her vent. She was beautiful, with her tantalizing lips painted bright red and the green of her scarf heightening the chestnut tones in her eyes. She’d kicked off her pointed black flats and sat with her feet tucked beneath her. The pen she’d been using to make notes was jabbed into her topknot for easy access. He wanted very badly to haul her onto his lap and kiss her silly.
“I want Marc to see you as a permanent fixture in his life.”
All day she’d been swapping the engagement ring back and forth between her right and left hands. He doubted she was even aware that she was toying with the ring or that at the moment it rested on her left hand exactly where Christian wanted it.
“I thought that’s what we’ve been doing with the dinners and outings.”
“Yes.” She kept her gaze trained on his shoulder. “But I think we should have something formal in place.”
“A custody agreement?”
Her shoulders stiffened for a moment as if she were wincing from a blow. Christian could tell the offer wasn’t easy for her. A second later she nodded.
“I think Marc will benefit from more time with his father.”
“Not as much as his father will benefit.” Christian kept his tone light to conceal his heavy heart. Always impatient, he wanted to claim both Noelle and Marc as his.
Noelle gave him a tremulous smile. “You always know just what to say.”
“What sort of time did you have in mind for Marc to spend with me?”
“Obviously it will depend on your travel schedule. I thought maybe when we get back you could take him overnight and see how it goes.”
“I didn’t get a chance to tell you last week, but I’ve restructured some of my business dealings to keep me in Sherdana more. I’d like as much time with Marc as you’re willing to give me.” And with Noelle, but that didn’t seem as likely now.
“That’s wonderful. Seeing more of each other will only strengthen your relationship with Marc.”
“And what are you planning to do with all your free time?”
Giving him partial custody would offer her a break from motherhood. An opportunity to date. Although he was convinced she wasn’t in love with Geoff, he couldn’t claim to know how the lawyer felt about Noelle. Suddenly Christian wasn’t so sure he liked where things were heading.
She laughed. “I suspect for the next year or so, I’ll be working around the clock to launch my ready-to-wear line and continue expanding my couture business. While he’s with you, I won’t have to worry that Marc is being neglected.”
Christian considered what she’d said. It hadn’t occurred to him that she’d feel guilty for working hard at her thriving business. “It will be good to have both of us there for him.”
“You’re right.” She leaned forward, her expression earnest. “I didn’t realize how much Marc needed a father until these past few weeks. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about him sooner.”
Christian was touched by her apology but knew he couldn’t let her take all the blame. “I never gave you any reason to think I would be there for Marc.” He regretted missing Marc’s first four years, but also for failing Noelle even as he thought he was trying to help her. “I wish I could take back the past five years.”
Noelle shook her head. “I don’t. If you hadn’t broken things off I never would have gone to Paris and had a chance to learn under Matteo.”
“And become an internationally famous wedding gown designer.”
“You see. It all worked out perfectly in the end.” But her smile wasn’t as bright as her voice. “In the end you did me a huge favor.”
Maybe he had, but Christian acknowledged that he’d also done himself a disservice by letting her go.
* * *
An exhausted Noelle returned to her suite at the Four Seasons after a grueling second day of meetings and interviews to find her son wearing a Yankees jersey and cap and carrying an autographed baseball in his mitt.
“And then he swung like this.” Marc demonstrated a dramatic swing that spun him in a circle. “The ball went like...gone...gone...gone. Home run!” He threw his arms into the air and ran around the suite’s living room as if running the bases.
“Goodness.” Noelle looked to Christian, who stood with his hands in the back pockets of his jeans, watching his son with such fondness a lump formed in Noelle’s throat. “Sounds like it was a fun game.”
“It was grrreat.” Marc charged toward Christian, who absorbed his son’s enthusiastic hug with a grin. “And tomorrow we’re going on a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty.”
“You two are certainly taking advantage of all New York has to offer.” Once again Noelle found herself regretting all the quality time she was missing with her son.
Christian picked up on the source of her melancholy as he swung Marc into his arms. “You could cancel your meetings and join us.”
“Tempting.” She smiled through her weariness. “But I only have tomorrow morning to get the last of the details hammered out.”
“You’re running yourself ragged.”
